Research from the UK Ministry of Justice shows that prisoners who maintain family ties are 39% less likely to reoffend than those who do not.
Maintaining strong family ties during imprisonment is transformational. Research from the UK Ministry of Justice shows that prisoners who maintain family ties are 39% less likely to reoffend than those who do not. This powerful statistic highlights what we see every day through Spurgeons’ Behind the Wall, Beyond the Gate programme: when fathers stay connected to their children, it strengthens relationships and supports lasting change.
This Father’s Day, we want to share words from one of the father’s we work with in our Behind the Walls, Beyond the Gate programme. Children are at the heart of everything we do, and by creating opportunities for meaningful contact through family days, visits, parenting support, and safe spaces to talk openly, the programme helps fathers hold onto their identity as dads.
1. What did becoming a dad mean to you, and how has that meaning evolved over the years?
“Can’t explain how it made me feel, so proud and overwhelmed.”
From the very start, fatherhood brings a deep emotional connection a mix of pride, responsibility, and love that remains, even through separation.
2. How do you keep a bond with your children when you can’t always be physically present?
“I see my girls on visits and on Family Days and try and talk to them on the phone as much as I can.”
Our Family Days typically involve activities which dads and their children can take part in together, enabling the child to enjoy valuable moments with their parent that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to.
3. What’s a moment with your children that makes you proud?
“My daughter’s first school play, I was so proud of her stood up there on the stage.”
4. Who or what has helped you stay grounded as a dad during this time?
“Spurgeons groups have been great as you can talk about your children and any problems you are having and how you feel as a dad in prison.”
“Enjoy and treasure every second because it can be quickly taken away from you.”
A future built on connection
This father’s reflections reinforce what the evidence already tells us - maintaining family relationships during imprisonment has a profound impact. With support from Behind the Walls, Beyond the Gate, dads will continue to be just that – a dad, always.
Because when a father remains present in his child’s life, even from a distance, the impact can last a lifetime.
